The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee announced that visitors must swear allegiance to Sanatan Dharma via affidavit. Chairman Hemant Dwivedi pointed to Sara, a known Shiva bhakt, as someone who would need to follow suit.

Sara’s spiritual side has won her admirers. From posting darshan photos to chanting mantras publicly, she’s positioned herself as Mahadev’s ardent follower. Yet Dalwai dismissed this, arguing Sanatan Dharma equates to endorsing caste hierarchies, separate from modern Hinduism.

‘People are clueless about Sanatan Dharma—it’s the religion of caste,’ Dalwai said. He urged Sara to decide: submit the affidavit or skip the pilgrimage. It’s her right, he added.

Dalwai extended his critique to other events. He condemned the Varanasi Iftar boat arrests as ‘Hitler-like oppression,’ emphasizing Ganga’s universal appeal transcends religion.

Defending Rahul Gandhi against apology calls, he stressed parliamentary freedom of speech. On the acid attack tragedy, Dalwai demanded maximum penalties for the perpetrator.

This clash highlights deepening divides over religious access in India. Temples, symbols of ancient faith, now navigate modernity’s inclusivity debates. Sara’s next move could define her public spirituality—or spark further controversy.

In a pointed interview, Rashidi labeled the demand ‘utterly shameful.’ He challenged the hypocrisy: celebrities like Sara and Salman host Ganpati celebrations and join Holi festivities without scrutiny. ‘Film personalities don’t belong to one religion,’ he asserted. ‘Binding them in such boxes is unfair.’ Rashidi referenced Sara’s earlier temple outings amid public outcry and Nushrratt Bharuccha’s similar experiences.

Temple chief Hemant Dwivedi defended the policy, stating it’s open to all who affirm Sanatana Dharma beliefs through a sworn statement. Adopted in a key committee session, the rule aims to bar non-believers from sacred spaces like Kedarnath and Badrinath.

This development arrives amid heightened anticipation for the yatra season, prompting questions about religious inclusivity in Hinduism’s holiest sites. While the committee prioritizes ritual purity, voices like Rashidi’s advocate for a more open approach, reflecting Bollywood’s syncretic traditions. As pilgrims gear up, the affidavit stipulation may define access to these divine abodes, fueling national discourse on faith and fame.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi addressed the chatter head-on: ‘Sara Ali Khan, like any visitor, will need to provide proof of her faith via affidavit for darshan.’ This stems from a committee resolution barring non-Sanatanis, while allowing entry to those who affirm belief through a sworn document.

Dwivedi elaborated with examples, stressing that stature doesn’t exempt anyone. Sara’s journey with Kedarnath began with her 2018 film of the same name, filmed on location. She’s returned multiple times, sharing worship moments online that captivated fans.

Other stars have followed suit: Jacqueline Fernandez in 2023, Nushrratt Bharuccha last year, and Hina Khan previously. The temple will supply affidavit forms on premises, filled out to verify sincerity before granting access.

This measure arrives ahead of the yatra’s opening, potentially easing overcrowding and reinforcing religious integrity. Critics question enforcement, but proponents hail it as a vital step to protect sacred spaces from commercial dilution.

As social media erupts with reactions, the policy spotlights the intersection of celebrity, faith, and tradition in modern India.